Free walking tours in Alcobendas and what to see

Must-sees

Alcobendas is a town north of Madrid, more residential and business-oriented than monumental. Its appeal lies in its parks, neighbourhood life and closeness to the capital. The old centre is small and quiet, with squares and terraces. To the north grows Arroyo de la Vega, with offices, shopping centres and large green areas. Very close is La Moraleja, a residential district known for its big houses.

For a stroll, the town parks are the best option, with plenty of space for running or taking children. Between Alcobendas and Madrid stretches the Monte de Valdelatas, a pine wood with paths for walking or cycling. The town’s most practical feature is its connections: by local train or metro you reach central Madrid quickly, and the airport is a few minutes away by car.

Free tours and guided visits

No free tours are run in Alcobendas. Most people stay here and sightsee in Madrid, where there are many pay-what-you-wish free tours of the Habsburg Madrid, the Barrio de las Letras or the Royal Palace area. Guided visits to the Royal Palace and the big museums of the Paseo del Prado are worthwhile. For day trips, Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial and Alcalá de Henares are within easy reach.

How long to spend

Alcobendas takes a few hours, with not much more to see. If you use it as a base, allow three or four days for Madrid and one or two more for trips to Toledo, Segovia or El Escorial. In the morning you can take an early train or metro to make the most of the day in Madrid, and come back for a relaxed dinner in the evening. A walk in the Monte de Valdelatas is a good plan for a free morning.

Where to stay

Arroyo de la Vega has many hotels, mostly business hotels, with prices that drop at weekends. It is well connected by metro and the Burgos motorway. Central Alcobendas, near the local train station, is more practical if you will travel to Madrid daily by train. Both areas are quiet, with restaurants and shops nearby.